Causes in children
Teeth grinding is a normal phenomenon in children and infants until they reach the age of three, and it is part of their development. As soon as the first milk teeth appear, children and toddlers start grinding their teeth. As a result, the occlusal surfaces of the upper and lower teeth are eroded against each other to achieve optimal occlusion of the child’s dentition.
The grinding and clenching of the teeth normally stops on its own and therefore no treatment is required. Nevertheless, there are also forms of pathological teeth grinding in children. Missing or regrowing teeth as well as malpositioned or misaligned milk teeth are some of the causes.
At the same time, the psychological condition of children should also be taken into account. Children who talk or salivate very frequently in their sleep and only want to sleep with the light on can develop bruxism. All these are signs of increased insecurity, as well as increased inner restlessness. Therefore, when these symptoms occur, one should observe the sleeping behavior of his child and change it if necessary, so that appropriate behavioral patterns are broken. A possible inheritance of teeth grinding from parents to their children has not yet been sufficiently clarified.
Worms
Childhood worm diseases or a general worm disease can also trigger teeth grinding. The most common pathogens found in children are the so-called oxyurs. The infection occurs via the mouth by ingesting the eggs.
The larvae then hatch in the small intestine and migrate from there to the large intestine. Here they develop the central symptom of the disease, itching. Due to the constant itching, our body gets into an acute stress reaction.Thus, an acute worm disease can also be a short-term trigger for teeth grinding.
